Abstract: A multi-criteria event detection system, comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is capable of detecting a signature characteristic of a presence of an event and providing an output indicating the same. A processor for receiving each output of the plurality of sensors is also employed. The processor includes a probabilistic neural network for processing the sensor outputs. The probabilistic neural network comprises a nonlinear, nor-parametric pattern recognition algorithm that operates by defining a probability density function for a plurality of data sets that are each based on a training set data and an optimized kernel width parameter. The plurality of data sets includes a baseline, non-event, first data set; a second, event data set; and a third, nuisance data set.